Moving to Kenya to work in an orphanage

English Lakes is a proud supporter of Open Arms International and we are pleased to announce Elliot Berry is currently preparing to journey to Kenya to counsel orphaned children.

Elliot, 21, from Troutbeck, plans to stay permanently and work with children living in the Open Arms International village near Eldoret, in the far west of the East African country.

The village offers a home and education to children who have been orphaned, abandoned or removed from their own homes due to conflict, neglect or abuse.

Elliot spent three months working at the village two years ago and the experience inspired him to return.

Elliot’s move to Kenya follows the completion of a new orphan home at the village, built with £45,000 raised by staff and directors here at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. Elliot’s parents – his father Simon is chairman and managing director of English Lakes – recently returned from a visit to the orphanage as part of its official opening.

The new house will be home to up to 19 children, together with two ‘house parents’ who will move in with their own children.

The village currently looks after approximately 45 children. It has a number of orphan homes, a school, farm, a medical centre and accommodation for visitors. Elliot will be staying in separate accommodation nearby.

Elliot will work with Open Arms International

Simon says: “I am really proud of Elliott. He is an intelligent, determined and kind young man and the work he will be doing in Kenya will be incredibly valuable.

“I am also delighted that he will be working with Open Arms; it is a fantastic charity, and one that our family has supported for some years now. “

Elliot is going to be totally self-funded when he is in Kenya, so he needs to raise money to pay for his flights, accommodation, food and living expenses. He has organised a fundraising dinner at Low Wood Bay on 24 February and is hoping to raise £10,000.

Tickets are £30 each and guests will enjoy a four-course dinner with a presentation by Elliot about the Open Arms International project. There will be a raffle, silent auction and opportunity to pledge support, there will also be some traditional Kenyan entertainment.

To get a ticket or for more information on Elliot’s move please contact him on 07747560294.